Donnell Vercher: 2013 Wisconsin Football Recruiting Class

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Scrambling to rebuild its defensive secondary after graduation and the old coaching staff decimated it, Wisconsin got immediate help when it landed junior college safety Donnell Vercher the week of National Signing Day out of Fresno, California. With two years of eligibility left, the hard-hitting Vercher will be expected to step in next to Dezmen Southward at safety next season. Vercher has improved his ball skills significantly since his high school days, and intercepted four passes in a single game last year.

Fresno City College Head Coach Tony Caviglia broke news of the commitment to Badger247.com on Tuesday afternoon:

"He had a great visit," Caviglia explained. "The team was all business. Coach Gary Andersen is a serious football coach. He really liked the environment."

Rankings

Rivals: (NR)
Scout: (NR)
ESPN: 76 (NR)
24/7: 85 (#10 JUCO S- #118 JUCO overall - #36 JUCO in CA)

Verbally committed February 5, 2013

After going the community college route out of high school, Vercher made a commitment to the home school, Fresno State, on December 28. But shortly thereafter, bigger schools started to catch Vercher's eyes. He decommitted on January 28.

Along with City College teammate Duron Singleton (whom Wisconsin was also interested in), Vercher quickly zeroed in on Syracuse, with some talk of the two joining forces. With Fresno State still in the picture in name only, Vercher's previous relationship with Dave Aranda played a big role for UW even though they came into the picture so late. This past weekend's visit sealed the deal for the Badgers, whom he will help shore up the run defense from the secondary.

Video Highlights

View JUCO highlights at HUDL.com

Statistics

Sophomore: 34 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, 8 INTs (2 returned for TDs)
Freshman: 41 tackles, 0.5 TFLs, 3 INTs, 4 pass breakups, 1 fumble recovery
HS Senior: 52 carries, 258 rushing yards

Honors

2010 Tri-River Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year

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